Multimedia Tools

Looking to integrate more multimedia on your site? Start here. We’ve compiled a list of multimedia tools available online for your staffers to integrate alternate story forms and multimedia elements into their online stories. If there are any tools you’d like to add, please contact us at info@JEADigitalMedia.org.

Storify: Collect media from Twitter, YouTube, and other sources, then embed the collection into your story. (free)

Intersect: Create an album of stories, photos and videos that can be posted to an embeddable map. Optionally allow others’ public posts to appear on your map where they “intersect” with your story. (free)

Meograph: Select a series of “moments” to tell a story. Include photos and video on an optional map. Record narration for each “moment.” (free)

Audio

SoundCloud: Record and edit audio clips to be shared publicly and embed on your site. Users can comment at specific points of audio. Mobile apps available. (free)

Audioboo:Record up to three minutes of audio and share via Twitter, Facebook or on your site. Allows creation of a channel and unlimited number of “boos” with free account. (free)

Google Audio Player: Simple Google embeddable mp3 player that is resizable and will play any uploaded .mp3 file. Requires uploading the file to a server (through WordPress Media library is okay), then inserting the URL. (free)

Soundslides: Software that allows simple creation of audioslideshows by inserting an .mp3 file and a folder of .jpgs. Requires uploading to a server, however slideshow hosting is available for $12 annually. ($35after emailing for education discount)

Animoto: Allows 30 second web-quality videos. Select audio from a media library of tracks, and use text titles and captions to tell the story. (free)

Photopeach: Upload photos, select from a library of music, and it’s done. No customization of .mp3 or transitions without a paid subscription. Does allow quiz slides, though. (free or $3/mo for subscription)

Charts/Graphs (Data Visualization)

ManyEyes: Upload a data set and choose from 17 different types of visualization to display data. (free)

U-Stream: Record directly from a mobile device and embed the video player on your site. Pro version offers better quality and more options. (free)

Livestream: Embedded player allows streaming live to your site. Viewers have to log into Livestream to view, and no archiving is available with the free plan. (free)

Snagit/Jing: Download this screen capture tool to record what you’re doing on screen along with narration and publish it on YouTube or download as an .mp4 file. Jing is the free version, but videos can only be uploaded to their website. (free or $30 one time)

Maps (Interactive)

Google Maps: Collaborate with others to place markers and highlight locations with extra info, including multimedia. (free)

Google Hangout: Include up to 10 participants in a video chat through Google. Option to go “On Air” and broadcast the hangout to the public. On Air hangouts are saved to your YouTube channel, which makes them embeddable. (free)

Interlude: Make interactive videos that allow users to make choices that alter the video. (free)